Colorado boasts some of the best skiing in the world, and its renowned resort towns fetch guests from across the country and around the world to get pleasure from the high, dry snow of the Rockies and the up-scale dining establishments, galleries, and culture to be found off the slopes.

The leader of these resort towns is Vail. Vail is proudly located on I-70 in the heart of the state and is undoubtedly in the top two or three most visited resorts in North America. The Vail resort is more than 7 miles across and is separated into three areas. These areas are known as the Front Side, the Back Bowls, and the Blue Sky Basin. In the company of the most popular runs at Vail are the celebrated Black Bowls. This area consists of more than 3,000 acres of open space that dwarf skiers within them. The topography ranges from moderate to extremely difficult and can pose a major challenge for an amateur skier who finds themself in the center of a run after the sun has damaged the fresh snow.  Vail has magnificent lodgings right off of the ski runs so you are able to ski in and ski out of your cabin rental. 

The Front Side area consists of wide and easy going trail skiing along with advanced runs and Blue Sky Basin is a more distant area which consists of three more bowls. It can take up to 45 minutes to work your way over to Blue Sky, though, so it can be thought of as somewhat of a time commitment.

Breckenridge is a vastly different kind of resort town. Firstly founded as a gold mining town in 1859, the settlement had wild swings of prosperity through the century that followed. Breckenridge is the oldest consistantly occupied town on the western slope of the Rockies and is spectacularly picturesque. The town itself sits at 9,603 feet and is surrounded by dramatic peaks that rise thousands of feet more.

The skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge is specifically prevalent with young people. The price is somewhat less expensive than other Colorado resorts, and the services for snowboarders are more developed. There are several terrain parks and a freeride area.

Silverthorne is an additional popular option for families searching for a Colorado ski vacation. The town by itself has the charm and history of an old Colorado mining town with the added easiness of closeness to four great ski resorts counting Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone. These resorts feature a wide range of difficulties so that everybody in the family, at every aptitude level, will realize a fun and rewarding day of skiing.

Finally, Colorado Springs is a town on the geographic border between the high Rockies to the west and the extensive plains near the east. The environment is mild and sunny and presents a terrific opportunity for folks who look forward to the outdoors. Skiing is popular, but so is rock climbing, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Colorado Springs prides itself on offering tourists every chance to discover nature and make the most of their winter romantic travel plans.

Attracting a large number of holidaymakers throughout the year, the French region of Rhone-Alpes is one of the most popular skiing holiday destinations, where you can find a number of superb Rhone Alpes apartments. Located right on the border with Switzerland, the stunning scenery of this region attracts a wide variety of visitors, and boasting over 700 kilometres of pistes on the stunning slopes of Mont Blanc (the tallest peak in Western Europe) as well as other famous skiing locations, it is no surprise that it is such a famed winter-holiday destination. For an extra slice of traditional charm as well as the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of the region, don’t be afraid to forego a traditional hotel stay and instead choose to rent a quality chalet or Alpine-style apartment, where you’ll enjoy all of the modern comforts you would expect.

A former host of the Winter Olympics and one of the most popular resorts in the Rhone Alpes, Chamonix continues to attract a huge variety of holidaymakers throughout the year, both for summer activities or the world-class winter sports. Chamonix chalets are an ideal choice for a family skiing holiday. In addition to all of the winter sports excitement on Mont Blanc, visitors to the Chamonix Valley can also enjoy a multitude of activities ranging from hill walking to the more extreme including paragliding. The large number of resorts that make up the Port du Soleil are well worth exploring as they offer countless opportunities to enjoy wintersports, with the area stretching from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to the stunning Mont Blanc.

Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes and vast number of attractions in the Rhone Alpes, and no matter your ability or budget, ski schools and equipment rental outlets are available, providing everything you’ll never to get on the slopes. Lyon, the capital of the Rhone Alpes, promises visitors a variety of early French architecture including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Roman theatre. As it also provides an unrivalled and vibrant nightlife, Lyon is becoming an increasingly popular location for city breaks, and with the action and adventure of the Alps only a short distance away, it is an ideal option for a diverse holiday. Also worth a visit is the medieval city of Annecy, which is built on the banks of the river Thiou in the Haute Savoie department. Here you can find the Palais d’Isle Jail, which is said to be one of France’s most photographed attractions.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more relaxing holiday and you want to check into a luxury chalet, you’ll not be disappointed by the variety on offer in the region. Savoie holiday accommodation including apartments in Tignes and Haute Savoie holiday accommodation in the resort of Les Houches will be ideal for a quiet retreat that will also leave you close to the best of the skiing and snowboarding action and even if you don’t fancy taking to the slopes, a ride on the cable-cars cannot be missed. If you brave the slightly daunting trip to the top of Mont Blanc or the Motte Glacier near Tignes, you will be greeted by truly captivating views of the Alpine landscape. Less adventurous travellers would be wise to opt for a ride on the famous Mont Blanc Tramway, which will offer a beautifully traditional train journey through the rugged countryside.

Given the area’s range of excellent facilities, it’s of no surprise that the Rhone Alpes is one of the premier skiing destinations in Europe. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the area promises some truly spectacular sights and superb walking trails which cannot be missed. Renting holiday accommodation in Rhone Alpes offers the ideal base to explore everything this stunning region has to offer.

Anyone with a love of French architecture will find the regions capital, Lyon, a true haven. The famous Saint-Jean and Croix-Rousse areas have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Saint-Jean Cathedral are among the finest examples of building design the country can provide. Lyon is also the perfect destination if you are looking for a number of quality late night bars and restaurants. The city stages a number of celebrations throughout the year, but it’s the famous Festival of Light, in December that’s well worth experiencing.

For discovering the heritage and culture of Rhone-Alpes, few locations can offer as much as the village of Samoens, which has been designated as a national historic monument. Home to one of the oldest settlements and boasting nice stunning chapelts, the area is locally referred to as the ‘Land of Art and History’. If you’re helping to combine a slice of tranquility with your active family holiday, a trip to the Jaysinia Botanical Gardens comes highly reccommended.

History fans will fall in love with the wonderful medieval city of Annecy, which sits on the Thiou River. Within a rich heritage and some stunning examples of architecture from the 12th to the 16th Centuries, the area offers a real insight into the past. The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and the Chateau d’Annecy are just two of the area’s highlights, while the Palais d’Isle Jail is easily the area’s most captivating and takes the crown as being one of the most photographed historical attractions in the country.

The region certainly has its far share of structural achievements, and even the nearby charming resort of Tignes was relocated from its original position further down the valley to make way for a new reservoir. Featuring a giant portrait of Hercules, the Barrage de Tignes is an owe inspiring sight, constructed in 1952. Considered to be the largest portrait in the world, the fresco was created by French artist, Jean-Marie Pierret (who was given a helping-hand from eight rock climbers).

Of course, often associated with skiing holidays in Rhone-Alpes is the tallest mountain in the region (and also the tallest in Western Europe), Mont Blanc. With over 700 kilometre of piste and stunning views from the majestic peaks, the area offers something for all ages and abilities. Supposedly home to one of the highest cable cars in the world, the nearby area of the d’Aguille du Midi is also worth visiting. Taking you to what is perhaps the best vantage point for views over the Mont Blanc Massif, the cable car ride to the top is not for the faint-hearted.

For the perfect break in the Rhone Alpes, consider renting one of the quality Chamonix apartments and discover your own essential places to visit.

Situated in the Rhone Alpes, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France entertaining a large number of holidaymakers throughout the year. Boasting stunning scenery, unrivalled winter sports action and a thriving and historic atmosphere, there are many reasons to visit this superb resort and renting holiday accommodation in Chamonix offers the perfect base to enjoy everything on offer.

Easily its most noted attraction is the stunning Mont Blanc, which rises to a height of nearly 5,000 metres and is the tallest mountain in Western Europe. With over 700 kilometres of slopes, and a wide variety of choice for all abilities it’s easy to see why the resort has become such a popular location for skiing holidays. From beginners to the more advance skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, there is a variety of blue, red and black runs, as well as 50 ski lifts to take you to the slopes.

But it’s not all skiing and snowboarding, the stunning Chamonix Valley promises a variety of activities which are sure to satisfy both winter sports fans and nature enthusiasts alike. For the more active escapes, the area also offers everything from the dangerously titled, extreme skiing to white-water rafting and ice climbing. For a active family break, the area offers a wide range of activities ranging from walking through the beautiful countryside to mountain bike trails.

Although it’s not for the faith hearted, a trip on the famous d’Aiguille du Midi cable car is well worth visiting. Named after one of the formidable-looking peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif, this ride to the summit moves from an altitude of 1035 metres to 3842 metres in as little as 20 minutes. It is one of the tallest cable cars in the world, and also boasts the longest section between pillars – an impressive three kilometres. If you’re brave enough to take the trip, you’ll enjoy stunning views right across the mountain ranges.

For something a little less active, a trip on the Mont Blanc Tramway is absolutely essential, were you can enjoy stunning views atop of this majestic mountain range. Reaching an altitude of 2,372 metres, the old carriages travel across some of the best vantage points in the area and move at a far slower pace than the d’Aguille du Midi. Gain a fascinating insight into the history of the region, with the old carriages and tram station which was originally opened back in 1909.

The town centre offers a rich mix of heritage and culture, not to mention traditional buildings and stunning views. Records of the valley go back as far as the 10th Century and many monuments and museums in the town centre document a colourful past. The Alpine museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the region, which covers the first Winter Olympics, held in Chamonix in 1924 and the history of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mont Blanc. For a slice of regional cuisine, the wide variety of traditional restaurants in Chamonix are well worth hunting down.

But whatever your requirements and whatever you are looking for a winter break in Chamonix, Rhone Alpes accommodation is sure to please, placing your perfectly to discover your own 5 reasons to visit the area.